Interview with the original designer of the Tracker survival knife, Robb Russon

Finally, after 40 years, my father Robb Russon--the man who originally designed the knife that went on to be known as the Tom Brown Tracker--speaks out. I interview him about his history with knifemaking, and how he came to design this iconic survival knife. Sorry in advance about the length of this. There is a lot to the story!
THERE IS CURRENTLY A KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN ACTIVE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL TRACKER KNIFE AS DESIGNED BY ROBB RUSSON. Please check out the Kickstarter website and search for "Tracker Knife"! Help to back the production of this historic knife, and get the first ones for a reduced price.
#robbrusson #utahknifeworks #markrusson #tracker #tombrown #tombrowntracker #trackerknife #survivalknife #tops #topsknives #wsk #trackersurvivalknife

[@bushcraftcostarica808]

Thank you so much for this interview! Incredibly informative, presented and well spoken. IMHO the "Tracker" design is a truly American invention and something Mr. Russon deserves the credit for!

[@kelsohighlander1]

Hear Hear!

[@takinisurvivalchannel3812]

I use to work for Tom in the 90's, when Beck was making them. What Tom told me, directly to my face, students, and was written in an article, a person interviewing him asked Tom, "why is there not a perfect survival knife" and Tom answered, "because I haven't designed one yet", and that interview made him think, I should design one, and he told us, he designed it. Said that to my face. FYI, circa 1996 (when he told us the story for the first time). Beck was at the school often. I have some of his tools, had the knife, lost to time. Still have a scraper (he made deer hide tanning tools). Yes, I could tell you some stories. Thanks for telling us. (And I should add Beck was a very skilled knife maker, and all around genuinely nice guy, I hear he still makes them).

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Yes, I've seen that quote in print before. The truth is, he still "...hasn't designed one yet" 😄. I have talked with several former students and followers of Tom Brown, and they present a pretty consistent portrayal of his character. But this isn't a Tom Brown bashing forum, I'm just putting the truth out there. Dave Beck is a truly fine knifemaker, I've talked to him a couple of times. He had the vision to advance what I think was an inspired design to a new level. He made some great improvements on it, and continues to produce extremely fine products.

[@bartjames100]

I just got my Tom Brown tracker stolen. The next one I get I’m gonna write Rob Russen on it and tell this story to anyone that cares to ask. Great video guys. Thanks the truth always comes out!

[@terrybest8973]

It sadens me to the core I can see the hurt in the old gentleman and betrayal he feels

[@joeldurette3209]

Just watched the video and subscribed. What a story! You have my support. You should definitely make the original design. I have to say though I did like the added gut hook on that other version. I would definitely buy either one. Thank you for sharing your story and good luck with your endeavors.

[@jaimeleondelaparra3877]

Many profitable endeavors have been made on the backs of others that got shoved out of the way without any compensation or recognition. That flawed work ethic should be brought into the light for all to know the truth. Thank you for bringing this out for us to know.

[@DougShoeBushcraft]

Wow. This is an amazing story. Your Dad comes across as such a nice man. It's nice to see the original concept, and evolution over many years. Today's trend is extremely thick blades for survival knives. Your Dad's prototype was robust, but not 2 lb. It was something you could carry all day. IMHO a very important part of the original design was lost (ease of carry). I haven't seen the other video you mentioned (your story). I will look it up. Thank you very much for posting this. God bless. Doug Shoe

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thanks, Doug! You're exactly right that the Tracker knives that came out of this--especially the TOPS version as interpreted by Brown--are more of a hatchet than a knife. The widened front part of the blade was made not only to be a chopping tool, but as a skinning knife. I believe that feature has been largely forgotten, since a lot of the tests of these knives online are for abusive "bushcraft" type tasks such as splitting wood and hacking through a tree limb. My father's concept of a "generalist" type of knife is a tall order to fill adequately, since it's trying to fill at least 3 main purposes. You have to think of finer tasks like cleaning game and fish, shaping wood and making snares. It's also naïve to think that a true survivalist would have only this one tool available. I still always have a pocketknife, even if I carry a sheath knife like this.

[@guerrierodelgiaguaro]

Good morning Sir, this is Stefano from Italy. Above all, this is a sad story, even just to hear about it. When I saw for the first time that movie on Internet, I have watched many times all the scenes with the _Tracker_ ; yes I felt hypnotized by that blade. That is really an indestructable knife, not so the _"Rambo : First Blood"_ one, that, summarizing, suffered major breakages at least two times during the production: surely the _Ramboid_ knives are captivating, but nothing to share with the Professor's concept. Here in Italy, the _Tom Brown Tracker_ is a must for every collector; but, because it is expensive, many copies (even made of very good steel) are really popular with about the half of the price, so one of these is on my wish list. If the Professor has been so brilliant also theaching, this means that his pupils have enjoyed of a stratosferic educator...and Iam sure of this :) All my respect and best regards from Italy. Stefano

[@DomDoe]

Mister Russon , thank you for making this knife , it’s a great knife I use everyday, greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭 🇺🇸

[@wrbruce6100]

After all of these years, to find out the truth. My brother-in-law was a student at the tracker school and was told Tom Brown was the designer. He only sold them to people who were taking tracker classes. So my brother-in-law got me one. It just has tracker school logo and serial number 354, no knife makers stamp. I am glad to know, thank you for coming forward and telling the truth. Take care

[@kelsohighlander1]

We’d love to see a picture of that one!

[@mikebillman8089]

This is all great! Thank you! Back when The Hunted came out I was running a retail cutlery store and sharpening and making knives. The Tops knife was a club and my customers wanted a more movie accurate version so I started regrinding the tops knife to make it more like the movie knife. I modified quite a few. I took one of my modded trackers complete with piggyback scout knife to Blade in 05 to show to the guys at Tops. It took a while for them to fully understand that what they were holding started life as one of their factory made knives. Mike Fuller was a good dude. Beck is a good dude. Brown is a scumbag. You guys are awesome 👌

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thanks! That's a great story. You know, I've talked personally to both Mike Fuller and Dave Beck, and have great respect for them. They both were unwittingly a part of Brown's scheme for fame. You should get one of the knives we produced on Kickstarter. That is the one Tracker true to the original design by my Dad.

[@bluesharp5004]

Update: the "original" knife as designed by my father will be released in a second batch as a CNC-machined knife rather than handmade in Pakistan. It is underway and will hopefully be available by Feb 2024.

[@draxx4041]

The myth The man the legend Finally the historic origins of the tracker your damn right he most definitely deserves recognition

[@n8mayfield]

Makes me want to sell my tops collection, everything with Toms name on it

[@My-Nickel]

RIGHT ON!

[@scottfraser997]

Please let me know if you ever do a batch of your father's tracker knife. Id love to get one

[@albertramirez7599]

Yea thats pretty screwed up on toms part by really screwing your father over.but the word is getting around now that your father is the inventor of the tracker knife

[@albertramirez7599]

If anything tom brown and tops both owe your father countless hundreds of thousands in royalties

[@Kent4OughtAldridge]

How terrible. Corporate America at its finest. Tom Brown Jr. and TOPS should have to give you a percentage of total sales paid to the Russon estate. Gentlemen's agreement sealed with a handshake went out of fashion. Saddens me to know how non-existent morales and character of people have become. TBJ found a way to make a quick buck and ran with it. If you don't decide to sue him and TOPS judgement will come in time. Hopefully TBJ is used to the heat

[@jmmx69]

Tom Brown story is giving off the Frank Dux vibes.

[@the1samuellee]

Thank you for this video. This is important, historical record. I feel you, your family, and all of us will truly appreciate this even more as time goes on. I love the idea of making this new (yet old) knife to honor your dad.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thank you, Logan Five! Interestingly, your handle represents one of my top 10 movies of all time. I even named one of my kids "Logan" (but he was actually version 8). 😆

[@gustifer0311]

Thank you for your gift to us outdoors men!

[@Mojevec]

First of all, BIG respect to behaviour / reaction of your father because of the copy of tom brown knife. I have to admit, I use TOPS Tom Brown tracker version made by myself everyday (hobby knifemaker here :) from springsteel. When I luckily found your channel I was really surprised about the history of this knife! Fortunately I have 3 days left on your kickstarter campaign/project. So I baked (+ panther :) and I can't wait for your knife to be made and delivered! Respect to your father like a knifemaker and human for so kind behaviour and respect to you for keeping a tradition of knifemaking in the family. Greetings from Europe/Czech republic!

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. We have had such great support from the knife community on this. There is no sense in just talking bad about somebody else, but we felt that the story needed to get out from my father himself. He kind of resisted talking in a video, but I thought that that would be much more powerful than just me saying it. Thank you for your backing on the Kickstarter project. It's almost over! Then the fun begins.

[@jeffstull2534]

Seems 'ol Tom is a storyteller. It'll come back to him some day. Robb deserves all the honest credit for the design and knife. Thanks for this informative video. I was enthralled with this knife when I first saw it in the movie. Being a hobbyist knife maker myself I had a go at this design and gave it away for a church auction...lol.

[@user-vc8hy1lu4l]

😂😂😂😂😂right on

[@n8mayfield]

I appreciate your sharing the complete history. I will reference this video from here on out. The design and idea history is important. I have used this design of multitool for some time now, proving its value as a woodcraft tool. A tool to make other tools. I hope you can set the record straight if that’s what you want. Personally, what Tom did doesn’t sit right with me

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thank you for your kind comments. I think that passing on the true historical origin of significant things is important, otherwise one small deviation in accuracy can go to compound a myth for generations to come.

[@danielww9022]

This story angers me to no end. I have been a HUGE fan of the T1 by TOPS for a long time. I own 3 of them (all of which are far more heavily used than any you'll see on KZbin). I'll never buy another one. Unfortunately, you have lost a great opportunity to a liar & thief (Tom Brown) & to any number of patent laws. However, for whatever it is worth, you made an enormous contribution to the outfit cutlery world & to your family's little-known legacy. May the words "Tom Brown Tracker" never escape my lips again! Thank you, sir, for the countless hours of joy your genius has given me around the fire.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

My father and I both really appreciate the sentiment given by so many supporters. This really is a sad story of opportunism and lack of character. In all the years I have been telling this story, I have never seen any statement formally put out by Tom Brown, defending his position on the original design of the knife. If it's out there, I'd love to see it.

[@allanh3865]

I'm so glad your father is still alive. Until today, i had no idea about this controversy. After watching my DVD of The Hunted again, i decided to KZbin search Tom Brown for survival info and not this knife.But of course videos about this knife was at the top of the feed, so i decided to watch one of these videos, and in the comments section someone had posted about your father and Utah Knives being the creator of the tracker. That got my attention, and so I went to your website, and then I saw your first video from 4 years ago. Afterward, I was wondering if your father was still alive, and then I stumbled into this video with him in it, and that makes me happy he's alive to see his story gaining traction. A video I saw before this one, the guy stated he specifically bought a tracker from you and not TOPPS was because of your family's history with this knife. I'm not surprised Brown ripped your family off, as he comes across as a snake in the grass in the special features portion of The Hunted. If I ever do buy a Tracker, I will be buying one of yours, and it will be because of your family's history with it, and because Brown ripped off your family. BTW, I like the improved model you showed in your video from 4 years ago. Especially the hook idea.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

I apologize--I had to reload this video since yesterday, because I wanted a subtitle at the start indicating who the two dweebs in the video were.

[@lalli8152]

I like your fathers design the best honestly

[@utahknifeworks5443]

I appreciate your comment. There is no argument that others (such as Beck) along the way have made improvements on this design. I will never claim this as being "the best" out there. But others have also corrupted the original intent of the knife and made it worse. Designing a "generalist" knife as my father said is a hard task. You can't make it do every task perfectly.

[@lalli8152]

@@utahknifeworks5443 Yeah i.just based my view on the knife you made that you showed in one of your videos. Im mainly familiar with the TOPS version, and that just looks so clumsy, and heavy by comparison. Im personally not into big knives for outdoor use since i use hatchet, saw, and knife combo, and here in finland other than the sami peoples knife outdoors knives tend to be quite small. I can still very much appreciate your fathers design since he was making knife to have lot of functions packed in the design. He really seems to be guy that can think out of the box so to speak, and i respect that

[@jagone5672]

BEST interview on KZbin! Thank you and GOD BLESS you both.

[@wogalley]

I bought a mini tracker made by tops just today. In wanting to do some research on the cool design, I came across this great video. It really makes me want to return this Tops knife after learning all of this information. I really appreciate the truth about this knife.

[@genescadlock2082]

The tracker has been my catalyst for becoming a blade smith ..and now iv been doing that for 20 years itd be an honer to shake your hand sir

[@bluesharp5004]

That's great. Dave Beck did a wonderful job of forwarding the design, and I'm happy to hear that you're starting in on knifemaking. It has brought me lots of satisfaction making hundreds of knives over the years. I'm slowing down now with arthritis in my hands. I had to have one thumb joint replaced, and I just can't do what I used to. It's frustrating. Good luck!

[@CenterMassContent]

Appreciate you guys sharing this story the sincerity cones through. Your dad deserves more credit. As many versions that are available today only enriches the knife enthusiasts experience. I think that finding a US shop to produce "The Original RussonTracker" or 'The OG Tracker by Russon" the market is only growing.

[@jeffreybarton1297]

Absolutely fascinating conversation. Thanks for putting this video together.

[@grimmner]

As an beginner wanna be knifemaker i really feel for your father. Even from Sweden Im familiar with Brown and have also seen this knife in the movie and heard the outlandish claim he makes about it. Im happy you made this video and that atleas your father Will get recognition as the designer. Also as a fan of using kickstart for things i would be happy to but this knife from you in a campaign there If i can afford it. Thanks for a great video.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thank you so much for the comments. Keep at the knifemaking. I've been doing it for 45 years, and it has been my greatest passion!

[@toyabkhan9502]

The whole conversation is very peaceful and informative to listen. Huge respect for both of you!

[@briancraps3105]

I am so glad I watched this video. I was about to buy the Tom Brown Tracker soon. Now I won't buy anything from Tops either. I bought a handmade big boar Tracker recently and it's well made. My next buy will hopefully be the new design that the son has made because I think it is a beautiful knife.

[@bluesharp5004]

Thank you!

[@Tater803]

I have one of these knives I bought at the tracker school in the early 90’s and still have it to this day. I remember when the tracker movie was being made and Tom Brown was all excited. I’m so sorry this happened to you and I’m pissed off! You should have sued his greedy thieving ass, he stole your knife design! You are a true champion to let this issue go….however I’d be so upset and hurt….

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thank you. It has taken 40 years for my Dad to finally even want to come forward with his story, so that gives you an idea of how it affected him. I hope that the one thing I can do is honor the memory of his skills as a craftsman and knifemaker.

[@MsNailgun]

Ever since I first saw one, the tracker has been my favorite knife. I have wanted a TB Tracker #1 for years. That is never going to happen after watching this. I backed your Kickstarter project. I am looking forward owning an original designed tracker. I would pay extra for your fathers signature on it. I am also sharing your fathers story on every knife site I go to. This needs to be known. As a lover of all things blade, it sickens me what was done to your father. The past can't be changed and TB will always be associated with the tracker style blade, but your father deserves the recognition that was blatantly stolen from him. God bless you both and thank you for your awesome Kickstarter campaign!!!!!!!

[@utahknifeworks5443]

I will be including a printed brochure with each knife, telling the story of the knife, and will have my father personally sign each one of those.

[@mtnyoda3257]

Thank you for this beautiful design. New this story however for a few years. I want to see your father get full credit on this as he is more than deserving. Wanted to watch your darling father speak on this. Polishing my Tracker 3 blade in ATS steel. Thanks again!

[@robertrhinehart4779]

I remember reading somewhere that Tom Brown had a love/hate relationship with this knife, and with the success of the knife, I couldn’t understand that. Now we know why. It’s really too bad. Considering how Tom Brown handled this relationship with your father, one has to ask, what else has Brown been deceptive about? In the words of Brown himself, “this is bad medicine!”

[@bickie603]

What a great story about you, your dad and the tracker. Of course I will buy the original that you and your dad have put together. I’m also looking forward to seeing the movie. Many thanks for the truth regarding such a great knife and knife maker.

[@Wingman115]

Great video. I support a kickstarter 100% I’m in.

[@jwallaby7895]

Checking out your kickstarter right now!

[@KAPguryon]

Wow incredible story, I fell in love with the tracker knife when I watched it used on the movie. It is a popular design and even here from where I am (Philippines) some knifemakers also make their own versions of your Dad's design. I would love to pay homage to the original person who designed it. I will support your plans of doing a crowd funding endeavor.

[@cristianalejandrobotozis5351]

Mr. Russon deserves the credit for! thanks 4 the video, amazing

[@OperationalExtras]

I feel ya,I went on a long mission to prove the nay sayers of the tracker knife wrong.I thew out the manual and dove into the design My mission was not about the people involved with design but what the blade can really do. 10 years at a USAF SERE School as a civilian SME,professional tree work and countless adventures and instruction.Years ago even made a "flint Tracker" to dive in even further. I see the technique and whole organic philosophy copied almost daily online from those studies in the dirt...that's just the times. The greats always say "credit other people's influence" But in a time where pioneers are forgotten in a AI generated resume world of parrots making fame in one appearance of a Survival reality show its bound to happen Thanks for your design and this video Never forget the true pioneers "Its not about TBJ or the many people that had a hand in the design...its about seeing potential in tools,all tools and not being a tool" -Tracker pack creed Thanks M/BK

[@MrPh30]

That is a whole lot of experience and the details that truly matter on it . I had similar experience but in a professional kitchen for some years where the knife was vital to do a lot of stuff so i searched my self for what i would truly need to do the best of it . As it required lot of chopping I needed a deep blade so knuckle wouldn’t hammer the board countless times over . And much more also

[@MrPh30]

For bush work the 8 inch Sami blade with finger guard and a axe is some of my favorites , or a parang / khukri .

[@emersonmsd]

Wow, who knew. I have just ordered a APO-1T in the style your father created. The redesign by survival Lilly is made in AUS-8 and has no saw, but is probably more like the original size (I think). Anyway Im glad I know the story and I won't call it the Tom Brown Tracker but my Russon Tracker.

[@JoeDeerRunner]

I have your first run, while I haven't fully tested it, its a wonderful design and does what it needs to do. Plan on making a video on showing it being tested and used.

[@aceyahawadah4iye169]

I Will buy the Robb Russon one, I was going to get the brown,but never now!!!

[@tugawolfoutdoor]

I already know the original story, it is unfortunately, me as a Product Designer and knifemaker, I can feel the sadness of getting betrayed by a customer or partner, thanks for this great moment of story and truth, i have the Tops version, but it will a great pleasure to have an original, from the original designer, all the best from Portugal to you and your father a great man of honor 🇵🇹 😉👌🙏🤩🇺🇸

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thank you. I appreciate your support and comments.

[@urbanknifeguy]

Lovely interview with facts and historical documentation. Hope this story gets more visibility and people choose to buy the original knife.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thank you! Funny thing is, we did it in one take, and almost no editing. I just sat down and set up the camera, and said, "we're finally going to get your side of the story". I didn't know it would take an hour!

[@jordancody6047]

I totally plan on purchasing your knife Mr Russon. 👍

[@nostromokg]

I saw that. Thank you for the video, greetings from Serbia...

[@youtubelearning2990]

As a kid I was such a fan of the movie The Hunted. Now that I have disposable income, I’ve been collecting knives. Remembering the movie I wanted to get a tracker knife. I’m so glad I came across this video before I bought one from Blade HQ. I will be ordering my knife from your guises website.

[@ninjasquirrels]

It’s the first time I hear about this but, I had a feeling this didn’t come from Tom…glad I watched this, thank you for sharing!!! EDIT: Because I don’t know how to spell.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Hello all! If you're interested in this story, today I launched a Kickstarter campaign to produce the original "Russon Tracker" as designed by my father in 1981. I hope it gets a lot of support! www.kickstarter.com/projects/utahknifeworks/utah-knife-works-original-tracker-survival-knife?ref=ksr_email_creator_launch

[@joepublic573]

very very interesting ... yet, i have to say, i'm not surprised by the unfolding story ... human nature (unfortunately) but, kudu's to you and your dad for documenting the story in such a pleasant and straightforward manner.

[@RogerF]

Thank you for an incredible design, sir! I hope to purchase one of your knives in the future. Any idea when they’ll be available again?

[@LovingIdaho]

I have one from the 80s. One of my favorite knives . I didnt know what a tracker knife was until about 6 months ago . There are quite a few out there with no manufacturer marks from the 80s on that I have seen .

[@robertofthelyons]

Thanks for posting this interview. Any of us who have been making knives are empathetic.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thank you, Robert. It's hard to design a knife that is new, but think about what you want the knife to do, then make it artfully!

[@Gary-uy9mr]

I've never seen the movie or heard of Tom Brown before. I'm just a Kephart fan looking for a multi use tool and i came across it on Tops knives. I own a couple of them, thank you for creating a great design, sorry you didn't get your due credit.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

It's nice to find another Kephart fan! He is my hero as far as 20th century woodsmen go. Kephart was the true pioneer of what people call "bushcaraft" today, and he inspired my father to create the "Tracker" knife. I'd like to make my own version of Kephart's knife, but there are already a million knives of that type out there. Thanks for your comments.

[@scottmcfarland2149]

WOW!!!

[@gregb.8280]

Nice work on additions to your fathers design, however i do love the simplicity of your dads original ! Love to have one made here in ol usa ! I understand cost and what not but id be willing to pay top dollar for his original design

[@sabatino1977]

This feels like part interview and part court case.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Yeah, I hope the latter never happens, but who knows? :)

[@robertrhinehart4779]

I’m glad UKW reintroduced the original design. I very impressed with overall fit and finish with mine. If anyone out there is a fan of this style of knife, this is a must have!

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Good news, all! The Russon Tracker knife is now available on my website! www.utahknifeworks.com

[@OveToranger]

Interesting story....always nice to see people having *actual (laminated 😉) receipts* for what they say. Difficult for Mr. Brown to deny anything here... A little tid-bit; I had (maybe still have somewhere) that exact Blade-magazine... I've wanted a Tracker for a long time, but never had the funds for it...and now I don't mind much... I guess TOPS gets most of it, but also a percentage still going to Mr. Brown...and with the price even a mere 5% would be a very nice extra income Sad I didn't know about the Kickstarter before now otherwise I'd have been a happy backer (and owner of at least 1 perhaps 2....)... I see the price is a bit higher now so I guess I'll have to start saving - perhaps I'll get one next year with a bit of luck ! Thank you for telling the history and showing the different iterations of the knife !

[@terrybest8973]

It just needs to be set straight like your doing thank you I hope for only the best for you guy's

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Terry, thanks for your comments. It would interesting to see Tom Brown come forward and refute all of the letters he wrote that we still have. I've been telling this story for a number of years now, and nothing but silence from the TB camp...

[@terrybest8973]

@@utahknifeworks5443 go figure right but you guys got the proof

[@BushcraftWoodsDevil]

Was just re-watching this and that sheath drawing at 24:38 caught my attention. While I can't see it completely, I get the impression Brown was drawing a "Crow Sheath" which was a very common pattern on the frontier. It could be worn strong side or support side, usually handle reversed for a kind of "twist draw. If moved forward of the hip, it presents for a cross draw by opposite hand.t could be slid around the belt to wherever it was needed at the time. It was common and you see this in period paintings such as Jacob Miller's works, where it is worn behind the hip, butt forward - - out of the way yet accessible. I have always felt that the so-called "Scout carry" was some sort of misinterpretation of the Crow Sheath, which quite frankly, is a much more versatile sheath. Very secure too, as the sheath has a single loop and is woven onto the belt so the body of the sheath is trapped directly against the body by the belt. Go to a present-day Mountain Man reenactment and you will see this carry.

[@buckhartness]

I just got this knife in so I hope this serves as somewhat of a review. I bought this knife after doing research on the "Tracker". I own 4 total now. This is my favorite. I wanna say the knife is around a 1/4 inch but i could be wrong. I dont have my tools at the house(at work). Anyways. Its perfect. Its solid. Its symmetrical. I own Poshland. Ottoza. White Hills. This is...gosh. it really feels like a working mans knife. Its got weight. The handle is perfect for a working set of hands. I can say I've cut some things around the house but nothing major. And what I've cut...i mean lol it did the job no problem. Chicken cleaning more less. Boxes. I can come back an update once I've had a minute to really be outside in the woods. But...this is a tool. A great tool. It could and would make a formidable opponent if needed. I can say...i like the length. The sleek design of the curves. The "wedge" as i like to call it it solid and beautiful. It does work. I was making gaskets earlier and had some rubber to cut. The rubber was 1/4 inch thick. It went through really nicely via "wedge". To anyone who sees this. Its short and simple review. I'll go on their web page and see if I can leave a legitimate review. But. But. This is worth it. Tom Brown is not.

[@woodman1701]

I love the new design survivor knife. The gut hook and hammer handle are smart. I hope your dad gets worldwide recognition for your design. My only gift to the world is grinding a bottle opener into the spine of my cheap edc. Haha. Dunno why more knives don’t have that as a feature. Seriously though, I’d be gutted to see a design I created become world famous and not get credit for it. If I see one of your knives for sale (and if I have any money) I’ll buy one.

[@oakdizzle79]

I would have been pissed of it was my family too think they should be giving credit where it’s do thank u russon family I really do appreciate the beautiful style of knife u made thank u sir

[@oakdizzle79]

Great video I wish I would have had a family that did knife making

[@markrussoncomedyhypnotist3697]

I was fortunate to have a good mentor in my Dad, otherwise I may never have gotten into knifemaking myself. But it is something that is much easier to learn nowadays with the internet. We had to pass it down from person to person, or read books on the subject!

[@butamini]

I would like to endorse you (Orijinal Tracker designer Robb Russon). Tom Brown Jr's letter and correspondence is proof of this. I have a custom TOPS Tracker and would like to show it on KZbin as a Tracker original design. In Japan, there is a term "enter the mountains" which is more familiar to the Japanese culture than the word "survival". It is about tending plants and trees, picking wild vegetables, finding materials for tools, stop wild boars one's breath, and so on. In a sense, it is an ideal to have one thing serve a certain function, reminiscent of the Japanese "nata. However, it is unrealistic to simply do chopping all day long. You need everything from a small knife to NATA for daily use. So it is inevitable that Robb Russon thought of a knife that is lighter, easier to use, and more adaptable to anything. One more idea is missing: the edge of the Tracker sticks into the wood's opening to ensure control and easy tearing and splitting without Batoning. We are trying a NATA-like use of the Bark River tracker that does not exist in American culture through the video.

[@gf2390]

I love the Tracker.

[@Silece88]

Kratos blades of Chaos looks also similar… whats about the kickstarter project?

[@n8mayfield]

I’m in for the kickstarter

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Great! I am fine-tuning the prototype knife right now, so the campaign will be coming soon. I'm very excited to be able to do this project, and make the original knife available to people. Check my website occasionally to see if it has been kicked off.

[@staradder218]

This is why it’s important to patent your designs~

[@stephangrobler5524]

You guys should approach Work Tuff Gear knives and do a run with them. Guaranteed success!

[@invictusfarmer7188]

get these out for sale and ill buy one. glad i researched the design a bit.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Invictus - I've got the knife on Kickstarter right now, with 15 days to go. You can get in and get the knife for basically half of the intended retail price. Just click here and put in a pledge: www.kickstarter.com/projects/utahknifeworks/utah-knife-works-original-tracker-survival-knife?ref=creator-nav

[@Fishbag61]

Wow...Obviously a well documented case of bladegiarism!

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Haha, I like the word!

[@uticacrib1664]

Could never bring myself to buy one. Definitely could do without the "guthook". But I'd be interested in an original design with my money going into the true designer's pocket. To hell with Tom Brown.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Looking back, the gut hook was a questionable modification that I was solely responsible for. It actually ended up making a better utility cutter than an actual gut hook. It was great for cutting long strips of leather, or shaving down small sticks. I hope that people will appreciate seeing the revivification of his exact original design.

[@bodhi974]

I had not heard of this portion of the story. Looking at your dads version “medicine blade”, I would prefer it over the Tops version I actually purchased. Obviously changes my opinion of Tom Brown. There is a difference in the two knives but very minute at best. Maybe you should look at other companies and see if they can produce them.

[@paulrose6282]

Your dad is a good man

[@EZ_E_TV]

Of course I want the original by Robb Russon but I want the one you made as well. Will it be sold on your shop??

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

I spoke with Tom Brown in person and he said that *he* was the designer of the tracker knife.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Well, he's a liar. Ask him to tell you about his association with my father, Robb Russon, and how my father sent him his original Tracker prototype knife. Ask him to explain all of the letters written by him that are shown on my website. I'd love to hear his explanation of that!

[@MrRugercat45]

Hey Mark where did you get that “KNIVES” shirt?

[@milladazadi]

Where Do i buy This original knife please help me. I need This knife there is No kickstarter now. I wish you get the recognition god bless 🙏🏼🙂

[@utahknifeworks5443]

The Tracker knife will go into production at the end of this week, so I should have it available to everyone about mid-January. Just check my website about then. Thanks!

[@Shamus3]

@@utahknifeworks5443 Good to hear, thought I missed it!

[@BushcraftWoodsDevil]

Amazing story. Interesting how the concept of a "survival knife" has evolved from the scout pocketknife carried by WWII aviators, to the Trout & Fish knife approved by Curtis LeMay for SAC bomber crews, to the USAF bolt knife, to the Lile "Rambo" and now a plethora of designs. They've become more specialized and larger over the decades.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Agreed! Honestly, this is not the knife I would actually use myself, as much as I am promoting it. As my father said in the interview, the simple carbon steel camp/skinning knife as used by Horace Kephart (plus a pocketknife) is really all you need most of the time, but the movement of "survivalists" wants to get everything into one tool, but that means it's not ideal for any one task. I usually carry one or two pocketknives, and a belt knife with a medium blade that works for food prep to cutting rope.

[@BushcraftWoodsDevil]

@@utahknifeworks5443 yep, I usually carry an SAK Huntsman [saw] or Leatherman SIDEKICK [saw] and a large folder like a BUCK 110 as an EDC. I do a lot of whittling animal figures and use a MORA Companion or 510 Basic. Planning to pick up an ESEE 4 or OKC TAK-1 in the not to distant future. TOPS stuff too heavy for my tastes.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

@@BushcraftWoodsDevil I have always loved the Buck 110.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Oops, I sent before I was finished. The Buck 110 is the longest running production folder in history for a reason. It's a perfect bridge between a small whittling knife and a larger hunting knife. It's stout, easy to sharpen, and classy looking. I like a three-bladed Case pocket knife for whittling. The Buck is my folder of choice for a one-size-fits-most-jobs kind of knife. I sell a 4-in bladed bushcraft type knife on my website called the Python. That's the kind of knife I think Kephart would have approved of. Like I said, you just can't do everything you need to with one tool. My dad set out to make something as close as he could to that tool, But the Tracker type knife still needs assistance.

[@BushcraftWoodsDevil]

@@utahknifeworks5443 I had a conversation with a veteran recently, and apparently back in the `70's - `80's [before the advent of the *by design* tactical folder] soldiers would pick up a 110 in the BX and then scuff up the scales with sandpaper and spray the whole thing flat black to make it non-reflective for field use. . .basically a pre-tactical folder.

[@NorthernWoodsmanElite]

I want to buy one I’ll check your website

[@ernsthelder7928]

Die beste Messererfindung überhaupt. Vielen Dank alter Mann 😉😇🤗

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Ich bin schon nur 60 Jahre alt! 😆 Aber mein Vater... ja, er is alt. Vielen Dank für deine Kommentare.

[@olddirtybooger]

Oddly enough, I heard of the tracker knife, long before the movie. Sometime in the early 90's. I have always been a bit of a nerd, about man's first tool, and all of its uses. Especially outdoors use away from the city. I'm still to this day very much in the city, one day... Later there was a movie, I thought the prop was a bastardization of the example I'd seen in photos. Then the corporation got hold of it and "made changes, to ease production." My first thought, there goes the soul of the design. Saw that is beyond worthless, actually detracts from use, devoid of the gut hook, the shape got worse, I would assume the balance suffered do to the new shape. The coating really put me off, it just didn't seem in line with what I had seen serious people use in the woods. Why not blacken the blade, the coating won't last forever. I have just recently heard of the origin of the design. What a pleasure to see the man himself. I'm very interested in the kickstarter. I would love to have an example of the original intent.

[@ralfyellowknifedietl6159]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@johnhill7585]

Unfortunately too many people lack integrity, and even fewer now 40 years later. If your dad had patented it, your dad would have been able to collect royalties for each knife made by the other person Tom contracted with to make the Tracker. Great knife by the way but I think your smaller, lighter original design put out by Tops as the Tracker II is better than the one he settled on as the Tracker I.

[@freddyg6940]

Let me start off with “I’m No expert” background in mechanical Engineering. I had a stops Tom Brown tracker 1/4” thick Thought it was a Good design but execution was poor. Had it been 3/16th thick it would of performed much better and sacrifice little strength. I ended up hating that Knifes performance Until I did a Re-Grind on the edges and stripped off the coating and used Gun Blue and polished some parts near the edges. It was night and Day. I always told myself that That Knife looked to me like it needed to be hand made individually big made in mass. Now that I hear this seeing this video I Understand much better and I knew I was correct about a lot of it. In any case I gave it away to a Friend who had seen that movie and was hell Bent on buying one. Now that I know the Shady behavior of Mr.Brown I’m glad I don’t own it anymore. My main blade is a Prather war Bowie simple Bowie Design works well for almost everything.

[@66meikou]

Whilst I'm not really into the blade design, I did like the one with the gut hook. I really feel that there should be some sort of lawsuit filed. I guess the problem is, your Dad did this on trust and didn't file a patent first. Even if I wanted the Tops version, I'd never buy it because of all the shenanigan's Brown did.

[@bluesharp5004]

Yeah, the lawsuit thing has been talked about a lot. From the Russon side, we're not interested in pursuing legal action against Brown, but rather offering the original untouched design from Robb Russon, so people have a choice to buy a counterfeit or get the original design of the knife. It's too bad that some people have no scruples and will do anything for money and fame. Tom Brown is one of those people. A version 2 is in the works, to offer the same design, but CNC-machined rather than handmade. It will be the perfect representation of the knife my father intended.

[@ruleroftheundersky570]

When the time comes I will be buying a UKW Tracker. I'd rather support the closest thing to the original that can be purchased than the wolf in sheep's clothing version. I'll admit I was going to buy a TOPS one, but after seeing this they lost a customer; their fault or not.

[@davidrushing2507]

I understand that your father doesn't want to sue over the situation but I think I might have an idea that could really make things right. I think maybe you should go to the patent office and patent the design tell the story about the design make it yours legally. It's a lot less messy than a lawsuit but it still tells the truth on the books

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thanks to Urban Knife Guy for this accurate depiction of the "Tracker Knife story". For more information, I have published an interview with my father, Robb Russon--the original designer of the knife--on KZbin where you can get the words from my father himself. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqLPnHmmr8aEmrs

[@longseskrima-gungfu]

When are you doing the campaign??

[@utahknifeworks5443]

The prototype is being made and tested right now. I would estimate that the campaign will be ready to kick off by the end of October.

[@oculophilia8724]

Wow glad I held off on buying the T1.

[@oculophilia8724]

I'm gonna need an authentic Robert and Mark Russon tracker btw in d2 if y'all wanna get on that!

[@utahknifeworks5443]

It's in the works right now, and looks like it should be available in about 3 weeks.

[@oculophilia8724]

@@utahknifeworks5443 subbed

[@richardbailey9938]

This is why copyright and patents are around. Who owns the patent?

[@utahknifeworks5443]

I don't believe anybody does. It's very hard to patent a knife design. It has to be so completely unique that there is no other knife remotely like it. All it takes is a small variation in the design, and it can be argued that it's not the same knife. Also, now 40 years into this story, it would be impossible because this knife has been copied by hundreds if not thousands of other makers, each with its own little variation.

[@richardbailey9938]

Thanks so much for that information that was a mystery to me.

[@danielquintero2721]

Where can I get a Russon tracker

[@dustyboard2247]

Your dad is an honorable man. Tom Brown is not. Tom always told us he designed the knife, I remember seeing and holding a "Medicine Blade" That Ed made. Fast forward to Dave Beck a superb Knife maker and good man, he got chucked under Tom"s buss as did most good people back in the day. Thanks for this very informative video that filled in a lot of missing pieces, like who actually designed the Tracker knife. I will call my Tracker knife my Robb Russon- Beck Knife in the future, in honer of your dad, and a respectful nod to Dave who made my knife.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

Thank you. I am not out to destroy Tom Brown, but simply want the knife world to know the truth of how this iconic knife came to be. It would be interesting to compare Dad's original pattern to a Lombi knife and see how they match up in dimensions, but I've never been able to find one. I agree 100% about Dave Beck. He furthered and perfected the knife, and it was because of his fine work that his knife made it into the movie. Otherwise it may never have been as famous as it has become. I appreciate you comments.

[@yourmothersboyfriend8542]

Anyone remember the movie Survivors? Tom Brown sounds like that dude who ran the survival school in the movie. What was his name?? Wes I think.

[@utahknifeworks5443]

I remember an old movie with Walter Matthau and Robin Williams, but I don't think that's the one you mean. From what I hear, Brown does not actively teach anymore. His school is run by his followers. And he sits back and gets checks from TOPS...

[@yourmothersboyfriend8542]

@@utahknifeworks5443 No that's the movie I was talking about. The goofy guy who ran the survival school that Robin Williams went too was a con man. I forget what his scam exactly was though.

[@danielravenstar4051]

I feel for you, Having your notoriety pulled, I have had my own share of "dud" end results, And here is what I learned from it, There are an infinite number of parallel universes. And when we physically die, We get to experience the same one over again if desired, Or switch to a different parallel universe That has the success we are looking for in this life, And this life becomes the faded Dejan vu, What a weird fleeting dream, So do your best to see the bigger picture of the universe,,, That power hungry politicians and religious porn fanatics Hope you never find out,,, As an edit I have to say the tracker is one of my favorites as well, And now after hearing your story,, It would seem the tracker ll Or tracker lll are closer to your original design,